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First Electric Vehicle Offered to New York Consumers

4 June 1998

First Electric Vehicle Offered to New York Consumers -- The Honda EV Plus

    NEW YORK, June 4 -- For the first time New Yorkers will have
an opportunity to drive electric vehicles under real world conditions
beginning in July as part of a new consumer lease program announced today in
New York City by American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
    Until now, electric vehicles in New York state have been available only to
utility and government fleets.  This new program will lease the Honda EV PLUS,
the first production electric vehicle to feature advanced battery technology,
directly to consumers through a local New York dealer -- Paragon House of
Honda (Woodside, NY).  The EV PLUS has been available in California for more
than a year.
    "Our goal with this program is to get real world feedback directly from
consumers on the viability of electric vehicles," said Robert Bienenfeld,
manager of electric vehicle sales for American Honda.  "In the long run,
consumers will decide the value of electric vehicles."
    Using advanced nickel-metal hydride batteries, the EV PLUS achieves an EPA
city driving range of 125 miles.  Under real world conditions, owners in
California have been averaging about 70-80 miles range on a full charge,
depending on driving conditions.  With New York's more severe weather
conditions, EV PLUS range is expected to be somewhat less.
    The Honda Charter Lease Program features a "full-service" package which
includes all maintenance, including tires, brakes and batteries; 24-hour
roadside assistance; comprehensive and collision insurance coverage; a full
warranty and unlimited mileage.  This full service program leases for $455 per
month, inclusive of state and federal incentives, has a term of 36 months and
requires no down payment.
    The purpose-built, four passenger EV PLUS is equipped with numerous
standard features that include regenerative braking and anti-lock brakes, dual
airbags, multi-function remote keyless entry, CD-audio system with four
speakers, power window, door locks and mirrors, electric power steering and
energy-efficient projector type headlights.  For New York, the automatic
climate control system will be supplemented by a cold-weather kerosene-fueled
combustion heater.
    Overnight charging is accomplished through a compact on-board charger.
Recharging requires customers to install a 220 volt circuit and an Electric
Vehicle Connecting Device (EVCD).  The EVCD pricing as well as Honda's
installation partner will be announced at a later date.
    Leasing is expected to begin in July and will focus in the community
around the Woodside, New York dealership.  This new consumer program expands
on Honda's Northeast evaluation effort which began in 1997 with EV PLUS
deliveries to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the New York Power
Authority.